We Value Forests, but We Still Understand Their Climate Role Too Little

Research by Improve Research & Analytics, conducted in May for Dukat’s project ‘I Love Forests‘, shows that citizens recognize forests as one of Croatia’s greatest natural values, but at the same time have a weaker understanding of their key role in mitigating climate change.

The results of the research were presented at the panel discussion ‘The Importance of Forests in the Fight Against Climate Change‘, which included Dr. Ivan Güttler, Director General of the State Hydrometeorological Institute and climatologist, Dejan Nemčić, internationally awarded geography teacher, Dr. Katarina Tumpa, Head of the Department for Forest Protection and Genetic Resources at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management, Višnja Grgasović, Head of the Sector for Financing, Implementation and Monitoring of Greenhouse Gas Emission Reductions at the Climate Transition Directorate of the Ministry of Environment and Green Transition, and Elena Wolsperger Dolezil, Director of Corporate Social Responsibility and Corporate Communications at Dukat.

Panel participants agreed that education and raising awareness about climate change are equally important as concrete activities on the ground and that it is necessary to continuously educate all generations, from the youngest to adult citizens. They emphasized that afforestation represents an important contribution to mitigating climate change, stressing that the protection and preservation of existing forests must remain a priority. It was also highlighted that both individuals and companies contribute to the preservation of forests and the mitigation of climate change through their own efforts.

The research results show that the majority of citizens perceive climate change as a locally present problem whose consequences are felt in everyday life (84 percent). However, they are less aware of the role of forests as a natural solution that mitigates climate change by absorbing CO2. When it comes to climate change, the greatest concerns are extreme weather conditions (61 percent) and rising food prices (46 percent), while the loss of forests and biodiversity is less frequently recognized as a primary cause for concern.

The research results confirm an extremely high level of awareness about the importance of forests. Citizens recognize their basic ecological functions very well: 97 percent know that forests improve air and water quality, 94 percent that they influence the local climate, and 87 percent that they help prevent floods and soil erosion. Such results show that forests are deeply rooted as a social value and that there is a high level of general support for their protection and restoration.

Despite the high general awareness of the importance of forests, the research shows that citizens’ knowledge is significantly lower when it comes to the role of forests in combating climate change. About half of the citizens do not recognize forests as one of the key natural solutions, and just over a quarter of respondents (27 percent) demonstrate a clear understanding of their role in mitigating climate change.

The research indicates a noticeable gap in awareness levels among generations, especially among the youth. Thus, 63 percent of Generation Z members believe that climate change already has visible consequences in Croatia, which is significantly lower than the average (72 percent).

A similar trend is visible in the perception of forest vulnerability: only 43 percent of Gen Z respondents perceive forests in Croatia as endangered, which is significantly lower than older generations (Gen Y 62 percent, Gen X 58 percent).

When it comes to measures to slow down climate change, 32 percent of Gen Z respondents believe that afforestation has a significant impact on slowing climate change, which is again below the average (40 percent). Additionally, 47 percent of Generation Z members believe that protecting existing forests is as important as planting new ones, in contrast to a significantly higher average of 70 percent among older generations.

Concern for existing forests and the need for afforestation in the country is an area where there is clear consensus among citizens. 86 percent believe that the protection of existing forests and the planting of new ones are equally important.

The research results provide a clear picture: forests are highly valued in Croatia, emotionally and socially strongly supported, and recognized as an important resource for the environment and quality of life. At the same time, the least is known about their role in combating climate change, especially regarding CO2 absorption. This gap between general awareness and specific understanding opens up space for additional education and communication to further transform existing support for forests into informed action.